Bath 78-year-old conned out of thousands of pounds by man posing as a police officer

The victim, a Bath woman, received a call from a man pretending to be a police officer

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Two people have been arrested after an elderly woman from Bath was conned out of thousands of pounds – by a man posing as a police officer.

The 78-year-old victim received a call on Thursday, July 20, from a man pretending to be an officer of the law.

He convinced her to attend her bank and withdraw a large quantity of money and a courier called at her house to pick the money up.

Police later arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of fraud by false representation and a 28-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

Police want people to be on their guard against fraudsters

Acting Det Insp Dave Lewis said: “The two people have been questioned and released under investigation while we progress with our enquiries.

“We’d like to use this incident as a reminder to people to be wary of fraudsters posing as police, or in some cases utility company officials or banks, in order to con vulnerable people out of money.

“It’s also important people ensure their elderly friends and neighbours know what to look out for to avoid falling victim to a scam and have the confidence to challenge cold callers and check their authenticity.”

Only give your bank details out on the phone if you're certain who you're speaking to (stock image)

Advice from police

Here are five things to look out for when you get an unexpected phone call. There’s more advice on the ‘Take Five’ website

The caller doesn’t give you time to think, tries to stop you speaking to a family member or friend, or is insistent and makes you feel uncomfortable.

The caller asks you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.

They phone to ask for your 4-digit card PIN or our online banking password. Even if they ask you to give it to them by tapping into the telephone keypad rather than saying the numbers out loud, this is a scam.

They ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping.

They may say that you are a victim of fraud and offer to send a courier to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book.